Taking Pets Abroad

Pets on campsites

Each site decides if it is willing to accept pets. If pets are allowed and are covered for travel to that country under the PETS Travel Scheme, the price is given in the price panel.

Certain dog breeds, particularly such as pit bull, rottweiler and Staffordshire bull terrier may not be allowed on campsites, by law. Below is a list of first and second category dogs, as defined in French legislation. Other countries may have other rules.

French category 1 (attack) dogs are banned from entry to France, and include dogs without a pedigree that appear to be related to: Staffordshire terrier or American Staffordshire terrier (sometimes known as ‘pit-bulls’), Mastiff (sometimes known as ‘boerbulls’), Tosa, and Dogues de Bordeaux.

French category 2 (guard) dogs must be muzzled and kept on a lead by an adult in public areas, usually including campsites, in France, and include the breeds: Staffordshire terrier or American Staffordshire terrier, Tosa, Rottweiler (or dogs without a pedigree that appear to be related to Rottweiler). For both categories, certain permits, issued only by French authorities, are also required.

The French embassy advises visitors against taking any of these dogs to France, and the Club advises also that you check before considering taking any similar breeds of dog. However, the French authorities specifically state that Staffordshire bull terrier pedigree dogs are not included in either category.

It is in any case always at the discretion of any campsite, in any country, as to whether or not any individual dog is admitted on site.

Please note that pets are not usually allowed in site accommodation such as mobile homes and chalets, and not on any tours featured by the Club.

All animals must be kept under control and should be on a lead when outside of the unit. Be sure to follow any campsite rules on pets, in particular paying attention to cleaning up after your pet if accidents occur and to using any designated dog walking area, where provided.

Travelling with pets

The PETS passport scheme allows travel abroad with your dog or cat, without them being placed in quarantine upon your return. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets travelling abroad have a pets passport, are vaccinated against rabies and are micro chipped. Only cats, dogs and ferrets are included in the scheme, so you should check what rules and restrictions apply to other pets travelling abroad with you, especially any quarantine regulations affecting their return to the UK.

Legal restrictions apply to the EU Pet Passport scheme and documentary evidence of vaccination and veterinary inspections is required. Your pet must be inspected by vets, both in the UK before departure and abroad before your return (most vets in France are not open on Sundays and Mondays). Ensure you are fully aware of the regulations before planning your journey. Some members recommend asking your vet about heartworm which may be more prevalent among dogs on the continent than those in the UK, and also asking about treatment against ticks.